6 Famous Monuments to visit in Pune

Lohagad

Lohagad is a hill station situated 52km north-west of Pune and is connected to the neighbouring Visapur fort by a small range.The region around Kamshet is dotted with forts and citadels dating back to the Mughal era. If you are game for some trekking, Lohagad is a great option.  The fort was under the Maratha Empire for the majority of time, with a short period of 5 years under the Mughal Empire 

Kaas Plateau

Maharashtra’s answer to the Valley of Flowers, Kaas Plateau comes alive after the rains when the entire region is carpeted with flowers. Located 35 km from Mahabaleshwar, the plateau spread over 1000 hectare is a visual treat till October when the bloom lasts.

The name ‘Kaas’ originates from the Kaasa tree. The leaves of the tree turn red from green as it matures. During the month of March the tree sprouts white flowers.

Shivneri Fort

Famous as the birth place of Maratha King Chattrapati Shivaji, Shivneri Fort was among the important citadels during Maratha rule. It is located near Junnar town in the Pune district about 95 km north of Pune.

The fort attracts a large number of tourists, history buffs and trekkers because of its association with Shivaji, who dreamt of creating a Hindu Swarajya. 

Karla Caves

Among the oldest Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines in India, Karla caves are located about 60 km from Pune. Built into a rocky hillside, the cave complex is located on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karli near Lonavala.

The caves were constructed over two periods. The first phase lasted from 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD and the second phase lasted from the 5th century AD to the 10th century. The cave complex is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. 

Bhimashankar

Home to one of the 12 jyotirling shrines in India, Bhimshankar is a prominent pilgrimage centre located in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resided in the form of Bhima in the Sahyadri hills at the request of the Gods to kill demon Tripurasura. Hence, the site surrounding the jyotirling came to be called Bhimshankar.

National War Museum

The National War museum is a war memorial in Pune dedicated to Post Independence war martyrs. A Mig 23 BN, which was used in the Kargil War, has been kept on display at the memorial. A replica of the now decommissioned frigate INS Trishul, which served in the Portuguese-Indian War and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, is also kept on display.